Aviation sector to see 3,000 new jobs in 2014-15

And, old warhorse IndiGo has said it would add nine aircraft to its fleet.

Yet, there are red signals, too.

The future of SpiceJet, expected to make huge losses, is uncertain.

The restructuring of Jet Airways, to align itself with Etihad Airways, could also mean job losses.

Says Kapil Kaul, chief executive, Indian subcontinent and West Asia at the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation, “Depending on when they start operations, our assessment is that AirAsia and SIA will bring in anything between 10 and 15 aircraft.

"However, there is also a possibility that some of the other airlines like SpiceJet and Jet could trim their workforce. But I still feel the net impact will be positive.”

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Image: A man looks out through a window with an advertisement of SpiceJet Airline, on a commercial building in Ahmedabad.Photographs: Amit Dave/Reuters

Aviation sector to see 3,000 new jobs in 2014-15

Based on industry norms, each aircraft spawns about 100 to 110 direct jobs.

With between 23 and 28 new aircraft coming, that means additional 2,700-3,000 jobs.

However, this will only fructify if the impediments in the takeoff of the new airlines are removed. AirAsia’s operator licence clearance is pending a decision in court (the airline has already hired 350 people).

SIA has to still to get the operator’s licence from the government.

And, GoAir, which is to take in two new aircraft, as well as IndiGo, must not change their minds.

Even regional airlines Air Costa has said it would recruit 400 for its two new aircraft, to be delivered this year.

However, as Kaul says, there is an uncertainty factor, which could reduce net job creation for the year.

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Image: A stewardess posing for a photo in the business class cabin Airbus A380 superjumbo after it landed in Singapore.Photographs: Rediff Archives

Aviation sector to see 3,000 new jobs in 2014-15

2013-14: The 2,000 additional jobs created not enough to absorb the number of people who lost jobs. Overall, the job market shrunk

2014-15 : Anything between 2,700 to 3,000 new jobs to be created. However, the net increase could come down, depending on the future shape of SpiceJet & Jet Airways, and whether AirAsia India and Tata-Singapore Airlines take off this year

With Air India not replacing the 1,500-odd employees retiring every year, an opportunity for additional jobs is lost